By Ellie Su ’28
A recent study showcased the impressive capacity of therapy dogs to calm anxiety within stressful emergency room environments. In a recent publication, the presence of therapy dogs decreased the anxiety of both children and parents in pediatric emergency departments.
In a recent publication led by senior health investigator Jessica Chubak and colleagues, nearly half of the patients who interacted with therapy dogs observed a substantial diminishment of anxiety, and more than 40% of participants reported a significant improvement in general well-being (Chubak et al., 2024).
Though the concept of bringing therapy dogs directly into medical settings may sound unorthodox, science tells us there are strong biological and psychological factors at work.
How Therapy Dogs Calm the Body and Mind
One of the most prominent theories as to why therapy dogs have such calming effects involves the role of neurochemicals such as oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, which are key players in emotional regulation and stress responses. Oxytocin, often called the “cuddling” or “bonding hormone,” decreases cortisol levels, which are the body’s chief stress chemical. An increase in oxytocin and its subsequent decrease in cortisol levels lead to lower blood pressure, reduced physical tension, and a greater sense of safety and trust. Oxytocin is often released during even brief interactions with therapy animals (Beetz et al., 2012). Additionally, therapy dogs stimulate the release of dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that create feelings of happiness, relaxation, and emotional stability, helping patients better cope with the challenges of a high-stress environment.
Beyond biological responses, therapy dogs provide psychological benefits for those around them. First, therapy dogs offer gentle diversions in stressful situations, redirecting a patient’s attention from fear, pain, or uncertainty toward more positive and comforting emotions. Even a subtle shift of focus can be powerful in anxiety-laden settings such as emergency departments (EDs). Moreover, the presence of a friendly dog humanizes the typically cold, sterile hospital atmosphere. Patients report feeling more at ease, more willing to communicate openly, and more emotionally connected to hospital staff and fellow patients, improving the overall hospital environment (Marcus et al., 2013; Barker et al., 2016). Additionally, therapy dogs promote mindfulness, countering the catastrophic thinking patterns that often arise during medical crises (Friedmann et al., 2011). Finally, aside from patient care, therapy dogs provide considerable emotional support for health workers as well. Healthcare workers work under stressful conditions and are prone to burnout. According to studies, therapy animal interaction is connected to lower emotional exhaustion and higher job satisfaction rates (Rodriguez et al., 2020).
Introducing Therapy Dogs into Hospital Emergency Rooms: An Emerging Model of Care
As promising as the evidence appears, integrating therapy dogs into the emergency room involves thoughtful planning. Experts suggest structured Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI) programs that have explicit guidelines about patient consent, allergy management, and infection control. Certified therapy dog associations like Pet Partners or Therapy Dogs International also offer partner hospitals access to well-trained handlers and dogs without the need for significant new investments for such a program.
From Patients to the Community: The Greater Impact at Phillips Academy
Sensing the wide-ranging potential benefits, Andover has brought therapy dogs on weekend visits, dubbed Hugs for Health and Happiness. Clients include students struggling with academic and emotional challenges, stress from recent events, or just need a fun, cuddly break. They’ve helped build a stronger sense of community, foster connections between people, and increase students’ outdoor time. Valencia Zhang ’25 testified to the benefits of the program, noting that “the dog program at Andover has allowed me to feel happier and less homesick. I’ve always loved spending time with animals as a stress reliever and being able to see a therapy dog every week and walk faculty dogs has put so many smiles on my face.” A furry friend can provide comfort for students amid the hustle and bustle of Andover life.
A Fluffy Future for Emergency Care?
More research will be necessary before the full extent of the benefits of therapy dogs will be understood, but even now, it’s becoming clear that therapy dogs are more than just a soothing presence. They’re useful collaborators in the process of widening the scope of “healthcare,” from medical treatment to emotional healing. When hospitals and institutions are looking for ways to improve their patients’ experiences, a gently wagging tail might rank among the most potent and endearing of them all.
